PRINCE PHILIP: Tributes paid after Duke of Edinburgh dies

Tributes have been pouring in from across Northern Ireland following the Duke of Edinburgh’s death.

The Royal Family announced today (Friday) that Prince Phillip died at the age of 99 at Windsor Castle.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

"His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."

Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Ministers have expressed their sympathies following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Steve Aiken described the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh as an “extremely sad day in the life of our nation which will be reflected in Northern Ireland''.

He said: “Prince Philip will be fondly remembered as someone who dedicated his life to service and was a constant companion by the side of Her Majesty The Queen,''

“He will be sadly missed.''

Colum Eastwood, leader of the nationalist SDLP, also expressed his condolences and said his thoughts are with “all those in Northern Ireland who feel a strong connection and affinity with Prince Philip and the British Royal family''.

Mr Eastwood said: “The people of these islands are joined together by our common history and shared experiences of historic conflict. Philip and his family were directly affected by the conflict on this island and between these islands.''

He said: “I want to acknowledge the role that he played alongside Queen Elizabeth in building relationships and promoting reconciliation, most visibly during their recent visit to Ireland. He had a part to play in sustaining the new bond of shared endeavour across these islands.

“This will be a difficult moment for many in our community.

“It is important that we all respect that and continue to work together to heal the divisions of our past and build a more united community.''

The Prime Minister also passed on his condolences to the Royal family.

Boris Johnson said: “By any measure, Prince Phillip lived an extraordinary life- as a naval hero in the Second World War, as the man who inspired countless young people through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and, above all her Majesty the Queen’s loyal consort.”

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has also expressed her condolences after Buckingham Palace announced the death of HRH Prince Philip.

She said: “My condolences in particular go to Her Majesty The Queen, who has lost her husband and constant companion and support of more than 70 years. No matter your role or how public your life is, that is a devastating thing to experience.

“It is important we recognise the work HRH Prince Philip carried out, not only in support of Her Majesty The Queen, but also in service to the country and Commonwealth, and vitally with young people in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Scheme, which encouraged millions of young people across the globe to focus on self development and public service. That will be his lasting legacy.”

The Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, said he was “Saddened to hear of the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.”

In a Tweet he said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Queen Elizabeth and the people of the United Kingdom at this time.”

The Secretary of the State of Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, has also made a statement on the death of Prince Philip.

It said : "Prince Phillip lived an extraordinary life of service- the Queen’s loyal consort, a naval hero and a man who inspired so many across Northern Ireland, and the world, through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

“As a regular visitor to Northern Ireland, having made 56 official visits in his lifetime, I know there will be many people who will wish to pay their respects and mourn his passing.

“He will be remembered not only as a truly dedicated public servant but also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

“My Deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and the whole of the Royal family as they mourn this tremendous loss.”

Following the announcement of the death of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, the Speaker of the NI Assembly, Alex Maskey said: “I am very sorry to learn of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh after a long and full record of public service.

"While many in the community will be saddened by the news of his death and will reflect on a life well lived, I am most mindful today that a family is in mourning and on behalf of the Northern Ireland Assembly I express my sympathy to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the Royal Family on the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

“I will be liaising with the Assembly Commission and Party Whips to put arrangements in place for the formal expression of condolences at the Assembly and Parliament Buildings.”

Meanwhile the Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has offered her condolences to the unionist community following the death of Prince Philip at a press conference in Belfast City Centre.

The Sinn Fein vice president said: "I want to offer my condolences to Queen Elizabeth in regards to the death of her husband, and to her family at this very sad time.

"When any family loses a loved one, it is really difficult - and whilst they may be public figures they are also a family that are hurting, so I just wanted to extend my condolences to them.

"Also to all those people in this community who come from the unionist tradition or indeed have a British identity, I want to again extend my condolences to you, because I'm quite sure that you felt this loss more significantly perhaps than others.

"I just wanted, as deputy First Minister, to put that on record.''

Read More:

PRINCE PHILIP: Condolences sent from First and Deputy First Ministers

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• The Royal Family
• Prince Phillip
• Tributes